Simple suggestion: first convert the date to a yyyy-mm-dd string. Second hash the string along with any other relevant data you need to make your key. See Convert timestamp long to normal date format for long/date to string conversion.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.